by Alan Babbitt

Four-goal performances from three different players powered the Hope College women's lacrosse team to a 21-12, season-opening victory against Cleary University on Friday in Brighton, Michigan.

Sophomores Rachel Elder of Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids HS), pictured left, sophomore Madison Micho of Grand Rapids, Michigan (East Grand Rapids), pictured middle, and Carly Pieri of Alto, Michigan (Caledonia), pictured right, shared game-high scoring honors for the Flying Dutch.

Hope overcame a 3-0 deficit 8 ½ minutes into the non-league match.

Elder scored three times and Pieri twice to stake the Flying Dutch to a 13-7 halftime lead.

Sophomores Paige Wilmer of Columbus, Ohio (Upper Arlington) and Paige Wilmer of East Lansing, Michigan (Haslett) chipped in two goals and two assists apiece for Hope.

Goalie Laurel Frederickson of Alto, Michigan (Lowell) made 15 saves.

The Flying Dutch's next match is Saturday, March 2 at North Central College (Illinois) at 1 p.m. Central.